An EFF board member of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro accused of rape has resigned from office.
The 34-year-old man, who may not be identified until he pleaded guilty in court, is accused of raping a 22-year-old student on Saturday.
According to police information, the alleged incident happened in Central, Port Elizabeth. The situation is still being investigated by police.
Police spokesman Tembinkosi Kinana said the man surrendered to police on Monday. He appeared in the magistrate’s court shortly afterward and was released on R5 000 bail. The case was postponed to April 15.
The man announced his resignation as a metro councilor in a statement, as well as the suspension of all his responsibilities in the EFF. He says he made the decision so that he could focus on the charge against him as well as protect the party’s integrity.
“A public representative must demonstrate the highest level of moral integrity and accountability and must set an example for the community he leads,” his statement reads.
“The complaint made against me makes it difficult to see me as a leader who has respect for these values.”
He further pledged to give his full cooperation to the authorities and stressed that he was opposed to any form of gender violence.
